Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Lawrence, KS: $43,067 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Lawrence, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,067 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,378 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,568) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of physical therapy assistance in Lawrence, KS, can expect a starting physical therapist assistant salary roughly around $43,067 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range and indicates that new grads might initially find compensation below the city median annual salary of $64,568. However, it’s important for new PTAs to understand that growth potential exists; with each passing year, earnings can rise through experience and specialization—from moving up to the 25th percentile at $58,360 within the first few years, to approaching the median as their skills and client base grow. Overall, Lawrence presents a suitable market for new PTA graduates aiming to build their careers.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Lawrence, KS typically start between $43,067 and $58,360 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,485 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,568 — 8.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Kansas of $13,000 represents just 30.19% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,067/year) in Lawrence. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,067 to $58,360, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lawrence, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Lawrence is $39,485 ( 91.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,067, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,552.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,368
2025 BLS Actual
$41,923
2026 Current Est.
$43,067
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,368 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,731 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,051 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,971 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,016 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,923 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,067 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,243 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, KS grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,368 in 2019 to $41,923 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,243. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Lawrence
Employers in Lawrence typically hiring new physical therapist assistants are outpatient clinics, which actively recruit novice PTAs. While skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still provide opportunities, many now prefer candidates with some experience due to Medicare reimbursement cuts impacting PTA pay in these settings. To enhance starting pay in Kansas, candidates should ensure they graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and successfully pass the NPTAE national exam, along with obtaining the necessary state PTA license. Furthermore, engaging in continuing education offerings through APTA can lead to advanced proficiency credentials, potentially increasing marketability. During the first few years in the profession, PTAs should aim to build a diverse skill set that not only meets the demands of physical therapy regulations but also adapts to industry changes, such as the effects of the CMS reimbursement cuts. Realistically, salary growth for entry-level PTAs in their first 1-3 years typically aligns with their dedication to gaining clinical expertise and adapting to evolving market dynamics in the Lawrence area.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Lawrence in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Lawrence?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Lawrence?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Lawrence?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Kansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov